Operation Global: 16 Individuals, Including Senior Management, Re-Arrested for Child Exploitation and Indoctrination of Religious Fanaticism

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director’s Press Conference

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain today revealed that 16 individuals, including senior management from GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), were re-arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) in connection with allegations of child exploitation and indoctrination of religious fanaticism.

Synergy between Enforcement Agencies

Since the launch of Op Global in September, a total of 58 individuals have been detained under the same act. The month-long operation, conducted by various enforcement agencies, has seen the arrest of 415 individuals and the rescue of 625 victims aged between two months and 28 years.

Status of Detained Individuals

Out of the 415 individuals detained, 273 have been granted bail, 37 released without conditions, 35 remain in custody, two have been handed over to the Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department, and one has been transferred to the Immigration Department for deportation.

Cases and Investigations

A total of 97 investigation papers have been opened for various offences, including one each under Section 130v of the Penal Code and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. Twelve investigation papers involving nine individuals have led to 34 charges, including 20 counts under Section 14(a) and Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, Section 354 of the Penal Code, and Section 506 of the Penal Code.

Targeted Raids

Regarding the raids on indoctrination centres operated by GISBH, the director said multiple centres were raided during the fourth phase of Op Global, but were found to be closed. “We will provide details on the number of centres involved. So far, no victims have come forward to report indoctrination at these locations,” he added.

Call for Information

Mohd Shuhaily also urged former members or followers of GISBH to step forward with any information to assist the investigation. He said the call from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for former members and followers of GISBH to provide information about the organisation has received a positive response, with some individuals cooperating to aid the investigation.

Acts Employed in Investigations

During Op Global, authorities have employed 12 different acts for their investigations, including the Child Act 2001, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, ATIPSOM 2007, the Child Care Centres Act 1984, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Income Tax Act 1967, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Conclusion

The re-arrest of 16 individuals, including senior management from GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd, is a significant step in combating child exploitation and indoctrination of religious fanaticism. The operation, which has seen the arrest of 415 individuals and the rescue of 625 victims, demonstrates the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach to addressing these serious issues.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the re-arrests?
The re-arrests are part of Operation Global, a comprehensive operation aimed at addressing child exploitation and indoctrination of religious fanaticism.
* How many individuals have been arrested and rescued during the operation?
415 individuals have been arrested, and 625 victims have been rescued.
* What are the charges levelled against the accused?
The accused have been charged with various offences, including child sexual exploitation, religious fanaticism, and other related crimes.
* How can individuals contribute to the investigation?
Former members or followers of GISBH are urged to step forward with any information to assist the investigation.